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Pine Knot Trail
🌲 Forest Trail
6 mi
moderate

Pine Knot Trail

Big Bear Lake / South Shore
Dog Friendly
🥾 Hiking
📸 Scenic
🏔️ Viewpoint

Classic 6-mile round-trip hike from Aspen Glen Picnic Area to Grand View Point with sweeping San Gorgonio Wilderness vistas.

Pine Knot Trail is one of Big Bear's most beloved classic hikes — a 6-mile round-trip route starting from the Aspen Glen Picnic Area on Mill Creek Road. The trail winds through white fir and Jeffrey pine forest, crosses Forest Road 2N08, passes the Deer Group Camp, and ends at the 2N10 junction where you can connect to the Grand View Point trail for a quarter-mile detour to one of the most spectacular vistas in the San Bernardino Mountains — looking south toward Mt. San Gorgonio and the wilderness.

🌟 Why Locals Love It

The Grand View payoff is real. Mt. San Gorgonio dominates the view south.

What to Expect

Forested climb on a well-maintained trail. Picnic area at the start. Optional 0.25 mile detour to Grand View Point.

💡 Good to Know Before You Go

Adventure Pass required. Start at Aspen Glen Picnic Area on Mill Creek Rd. Allow 3–4 hours.

📍 Local Tip

Don't skip the Grand View detour — it's the whole reason to do this trail.

Best Time to Visit

Spring through fall.

Notable Features

Grand View Point overlook
Aspen Glen Picnic Area start
Mt. San Gorgonio views
Classic Big Bear trail

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the trail start?

At the Aspen Glen Picnic Area on Mill Creek Road (south of the lake).

What's at Grand View Point?

A short 0.25-mile detour off the main trail leads to a vista looking south toward Mt. San Gorgonio and the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

Practical Info

Aspen Glen Picnic Area, Mill Creek Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Dawn to dusk
Aspen Glen Picnic Area on Mill Creek Rd — Adventure Pass required
1,300 ft elevation gain

Amenities

Picnic Area
Trailhead Parking
Adventure Pass Required
Restrooms
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